DC is packed with possibilities for travelers seeking fun and adventure in the great outdoors. If you’re looking for a unique way to soak up the summer sun or take in the fall foliage, try one of these urban escapes
Moonlight Hikes
If there’s a full moon, head to the National Arboretum for a moonlight hike. Each month on the Friday and Saturday evenings following the full moon, an Arboretum staff member leads hikers on a five-mile trek through the 444-acre park, tucked away in the northeastern corner of DC. On the two-hour guided tour, hikers travel past scenic woodlands, often catching a glimpse of the creatures who venture out after dark. The paved trail also rambles past a magnificent set of Corinthian columns that were once part of the East Portico of U.S. Capitol. During the hike, an Arboretum guide relates the human and natural history of the park.
Lotus position
Warm weather brings out the best of Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens, one of Washington, DC’s most remarkable natural attractions. Located in the Southeast quadrant of the city along the east bank of the Anacostia River, Kenilworth is the only National Park devoted to the propagation and study of aquatic plants. The park spans 14 acres, with 45 ponds that sustain a collection of more than 100,000 water lilies, ferns and lotuses. Each July when the blooms near their peak, Kenilworth welcomes hundreds of nature lovers for its annual Water Lily Festival.
Rock scrambles and waterfalls
For an invigorating day out, locals love the Billy Goat Trail at Great Falls National Park in suburban Maryland. The 4.2-mile trail traces the Potomac River near the magnificent waterfalls. It’s not an easy stroll, however; hikers scramble over rocks and climb over inclined boulders for breathtaking views of the river. When you’ve traversed the trail, rest your feet at Old Angler's Inn, a vintage 1860 restaurant known for its inviting outdoor terrace in summer and cozy fireplace in fall and winter.
Start Pedaling
Biking is one of the best ways to navigate the nation's capital. Visit DC's familiar monuments on a guided tour with Bike and Roll. Two and three-hour overview tours of the city are offered daily from March through November. The Washington, DC area has several distance bike trails including the C&O Canal, the Mount Vernon Trail, the Capital Crescent Trail and Washington & Old Dominion Trail, all providing scenic vistas and physical challenges.
Make a Run for it
Runners can join a knowledgeable local for a jog past the city’s most famous sites with a new tour from DC Run. The one-on-one ours are tailored to each participant’s speed and preferred sites, on the Mall or in the neighborhoods. Runners receive a water bottle and goodie bags with run-friendly treats, plus insider’s tips from knowledgeable guides. Ask your guide for restaurant picks, great date spots and hip nightspots.
Tour a Green Roof
DC is committed to earth-friendly construction, and many buildings even feature green roofs. Green roofs create a garden-like setting on building rooftops, reducing storm water run-off, improving heat and sound insulation, improving air quality and increasing park space. If you’ve never seen a green roof up close, take a free tour at the downtown headquarters of the American Society of Landscape Architects.
Head to the River
Near Washington, DC, the calm Potomac is an ideal spot to learn to sail against an impressive backdrop of monuments and memorials. Never manned the helm? The Washington Sailing Marina offers classes as well as boat rentals for seasoned sailors on most spring, summer and fall weekends, plus some evenings and weekdays. If you prefer to navigate the river in a canoe or kayak, swing by Jack’s Boathouse, Fletcher’s Boathouse or Thompson Boat Center to rent one for a daytime adventure.
